A MESSAGE FROM SHERIFF MATT BAYLES

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is proud to partner with Project Lifesaver International to further protect at risk citizens who have conditions or diseases that make those afflicted prone to wander from their homes or care facilities. Project Lifesaver is a LoJack SafetyNet tracking system used by over a 1,000 law enforcement departments nationwide. The primary mission of Project Lifesaver is to provide a timely response to save lives and reduce potential injury for adults and children who wander due to Alzheimer’s, dementia, autism, Down syndrome and other related cognitive impairment diagnoses. If you or a loved one is at risk or has a history of wandering, I recommend you get more information on this lifesaving program and learn if you can benefit by being a Project Lifesaver client.

A PROVEN TRACK RECORD

Project Lifesaver has over 1,150 participating agencies across the U.S., Canada, and Australia, and has performed 2,215 searches in the last 11 years with no serious injuries or fatalities ever reported. The Project Lifesaver program reduces the risks and costs of a typical search have also dropped significantly, with an average rescue time of less than 30 minutes.

HOW IT WORKS

Qualifying participants wear a personalized wristband, about the size of a watch that emits a tracking signal on an assigned radio frequency. When caregivers notify the sheriff’s office that the client is missing, a team of specially-trained deputies respond and uses a mobile locator tracking system to find the missing person.

The wristband is much more than a passive ID bracelet. It is a 1-ounce, battery-operated radio wrist transmitter emitting an automatic tracking signal every second, 24 hours a day. The signal is tracked on the ground or in the air over several miles. Each wristband has a unique radio frequency. Project Lifesaver’s battery provides a continuous signal for 30-45 days.

It should be noted that client searches involve different variables, and incidents are unpredictable. There may be times or circumstances when an individual cannot be located due to device malfunction, reception impairment or any other technical or non-technical reasons. The Marion County Sheriff’s Office makes no warranties, guarantees, assurances or promises of any kind as to the effectiveness or success of the Project Lifesaver tracking services or of any search or searches undertaken utilizing the Project Lifesaver equipment or other related equipment.

PEACE OF MIND

Project Lifesaver not only helps protect the health and well being of people who go missing. It gives their caregivers peace of mind. The Marion County Sheriff’s Office keeps a file with information on each client’s conditions, medications and personal history, as well as a photograph.

PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS

  • Clients must live within Marion County
  • Be medically diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, dementia, autism, Down syndrome or other related cognitive impairments.
  • Have a history of wandering
  • Have a 24-hour caregiver
  • Be willing to wear the wristband transmitter at all times
  • Deny the client keys and vehicles that the client might have access to
  • Deny access and not operate a motor vehicle

CARETAKER RESPONSIBILITIES

Caretakers must agree to:

  • Test the client’s radio transmitter battery daily
  • Check the condition of the bracelet daily
  • Maintain a monthly log sheet provided by the Project Lifesaver team
  • Attend a monthly battery change
  • Notify the Project Lifesaver team promptly if there is a problem with the equipment
  • Call 911 immediately if a Project Lifesaver client goes missing
  • Cannot be a resident of a private home/apartment/condominium or care facility


COSTS

While supplies last, the starter kit is free for new participants and contains a transmitter, 12 wrist bands, 12 batteries, a mini tester and sealant (replacement cost: $300).

If financially able to purchase the starter kit then that becomes the sole property of the client but still subject to testing and upkeep by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.

EQUIPMENT FAQs

How frequently should a transmitter battery be changed?
Batteries emit a signal each second and must be changed monthly. Battery changes are scheduled monthly in your home.

Is the transmitter waterproof?
Yes. Clients can shower and swim while wearing the transmitter.

Can a caretaker replace the battery in a client’s transmitter?
No. The battery must be replaced and tested by a member of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office Project Lifesaver team.

What happens if something goes wrong with the equipment?
Call the Marion County Sheriff’s Office at (740)382-8244

What happens if the transmitter is lost?
Call the Marion County Sheriff’s Office at (740)382-8244

ENROLL TODAY

You can contact Christy Utley at (740)382-8244, ext. 5120 or by e-mail at cutley@co.marion.oh.us for any Project Lifesaver questions. Qualified applicants must agree to and sign a Project Lifesaver care contract and medical history form. You can download all of the Project Lifesaver forms below to review or complete. Once all forms are complete a Marion County Sheriff’s Office Project Lifesaver representative will schedule an appointment and visit you in your home.

MCSO Project Lifesaver Contract

MCSO Project Lifesaver Client-Agency Agreement

MCSO Project Lifesaver Client Profile

MCSO Project Lifesaver Battery Transmitter Test Log